As a physician, I am concerned regarding the number of abortions performed in
this country. I believe we must first take a compassionate position here, and acknowledge
the fact that human sexuality is a complex issue.

The solution to this real and/or imagined problem lies in education. We need to
acknowledge that kids grow up real fast in this culture and we all need to have a
deeper understanding of the sacredness of life, sex and love. The "problem"
is that nature created sex to be a highly enjoyable experience and since the pleasure
principle rules (nature's way to make sure the species perpetuates itself) we need
to move from a position of self righteous puritanical denial to a deeper understanding
of the profound biological drive inherent within all of us.

Coming to go grips with our sexuality is a process of mental, emotional and spiritual
development. We need to address the fundamental issue early on in our schools. Youngsters
need to be respected for their inherent sexual proclivities and taught how to channel
their sexual energies in positive, creative ways. Personally, I would like to see
yoga introduced into the school systems early on, as well as introducing human awareness
courses so that youngsters have the experiential knowledge to consciously deal with
their biological programming.

Children need to be taught to love and honor their bodies, as well as to deeply
understand the responsibilities that go with the sexual act. Girls/Women need to
take the lead in instructing their fiiends/lovers that the gift of sexuality has
tremendous responsibilities associated with it.

Ideally, abortions obviously are to be prevented if possible since it creates
a tremendous amount of pain (shame, guilt) for those involved. When and if regrettably
an abortion becomes an issue for the women, we need to respect that ultimately the
choice of whether to conceive or abort is the woman's ultimate decision. To "guilt
trip" the individuals and Physicians involved under the context of dogmatic
religious morality, in my opinion, is profoundly counterproductive. What right do
we have to condemn and/or judge this highly personal subjective experience? Compassion
and genuine guidance from parents and/or counselors is what is required at this time.

In closing, let me summarize by saying that I feel that enlightened sexuality
education is what is needed so that abortions become increasingly a thing of the
past.